Learning Oracle PL/SQL (Paperback)

by Bill Pribyl (Author)
Key Phrases: remote web site, fetching data, bulk binds, Let's Code, Create Web Pages, Web-Based Search Page Using Dynamic (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
PL/SQL, Oracle's programming language for stored procedures, delivers a world of possibilities for your database programs. PL/SQL supplements the standard relational database language, SQL, with a wide range of procedural features, including loops, IF-THEN statements, advanced data structures, and rich transactional control--all closely integrated with the Oracle database server. Learning Oracle PL/SQL offers the guidance you need to come up to speed on PL/SQL, whether you're a beginner or already experienced with another programming language.Topics include:

PL/SQL - what is it, and why use it?Syntax and examples of all core language constructsCreating and reusing stored procedures, functions, and packagesBuilding web-based applicationsSecuring PL/SQL programs Benefits of third-party developer toolsConnecting PL/SQL to email, Java, and the Internet

Meticulously crafted with all-new, downloadable examples the book includes language features available in all versions from Oracle7 through Oracle9i. Written in an easygoing style by PL/SQL experts Bill Pribyl and Steven Feuerstein, the book delivers a solid foundation for every database developer and administrator who needs to learn PL/SQL.

About the Author
Bill Pribyl, author, teacher, and software consultant,is the primary author of Learning Oracle PL/SQL and the coauthor of Oracle PL/SQL Programming and its companion pocket reference, all published by O'Reilly & Associates. An Oracle user since 1986, Bill has consulted on many aspects of using Oracle products. He recently spearheaded PLNet.org, a Web-based repository where developers can share open source PL/SQL.

Steven Feuerstein is considered one of the world's leading experts on the Oracle PL/SQL language. He is the author or coauthor of Oracle PL/SQL Programming, Oracle PL/SQL Best Practices, Oracle PL/SQL Programming: Guide to Oracle8i Features, Oracle PL/SQL Developer's Workbook, Oracle Built-in Packages, Advanced Oracle PL/SQL Programming with Packages, and several pocket reference books (all from O'Reilly & Associates). Steven is a Senior Technology Advisor with Quest Software, has been developing software since 1980, and worked for Oracle Corporation from 1987 to 1992.

Product Details

• Paperback: 450 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Inc.; 1 edition (December 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0596001800
• ISBN-13: 978-0596001803
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #528,117 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This item is part of The O'Reilly Learning Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful intro to PL/SQL, February 10, 2002

By A Customer

A book doesn't have to cover advanced material and tricks from gurus to be great. There are only a handful of really good Oracle books, and this is one. It takes the beginner through the important features of PL/SQL, and uses an example application that you build as you go along.

The organization is great and the writing is crystal clear. It doesn't just cover syntax. It also explains when and why you'd want to use various PL/SQL features.

If you're a radical C++ coding genius, maybe you want one of the other O'Reilly books on PL/SQL. On the other hand, if you've tried some other books that deal with PL/SQL and found they didn't provide the background, explanations and programming strategies you need, try this book. The authors are talented PL/SQL experts, and their presentation of the subject is great.

This book is not a slap-dash effort to write a quick book. It's a solid, quality book. If you have some exposure to Oracle but have never developed PL/SQL skills, you'll like this book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of the best intros to PL/SQL, March 12, 2002

By	ueberhund "ueberhund" (Salt Lake City, UT United States) - See all my reviews

Learning Oracle PL/SQL is one of the best books I have read on learning this subject. This book has a little for everyone: you'll learn something if you know the basics of SQL, but have never really done anything with it. You'll also learn something if you've had a lot of experience with Microsoft SQLServer (and T-SQL), but are looking to transition you knowledge to Oracle PL/SQL.

You'll learn about coding anonymous blocks, stored procedures, functions, and packages. You will learn how to write and use cursors, how to organize code into packages, Oracle security basics, Oracle built in packages, and error handling. The book also covers some basics of using SQL*Plus, to make your life a little easier.

If you need a relatively small (less than 400 pages) introduction to Oracle PL/SQL, then this is definitely a book you will want to pick up. If you need more in-depth information after reading this book, pick up the authors' other book Oracle PL/SQL.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommended, November 27, 2002

By A Customer

I've been a self taught Oracle PL/SQL developer for two years, so I was sceptical on reading a "Learning" book. After reading the first few chapters I was able to make improvements to my PL/SQL programs. It was definitely worth the time and money. The examples are well written and simple enough to make sense, but not too simple that they are "duh" type examples. I also liked the fact that the book explains how to set up and use Oracle/Apache to make PSP pages (Stored Procedures that generate web content). The PSP section makes up a good portion of the book that I didn't know was in it before I got it. With plenty of real-world experience tips, a section on tools and security, it will be a while before I have this ingrained and used on a daily basis. I defiantly got more than I was looking for.